Optical properties of metallic nanoparticles: manipulating light, heat and forces at the nanoscale

Abstract

We present to a general readership an overview of the rich variety of phenomena and applications that arise from the interaction of metallic nanoparticles with light. First, we present the fundamental physics of localized surface plasmon resonances, the most relevant theories and numerical methods, as well as optical detection schemes. Finally, we explain how the localized surface plasmon resonances are currently exploited for the nanoscale manipulation of light, heat and forces in various applications and experimental investigations.

Transparent electrode of nanoscale metal film for optoelectronic devices

“…39,61 LSPR results from the coupling between incident light and the free electron gas at the surface of a metal island structure. 62 Coupling between light and free electron causes some light to be absorbed and some to be scattered. This coupling occurs at specific frequencies for each kind of metal.…”

The effect of localized surface plasmon resonance on the emission color change in organic light emitting diodes

“…LSPR results from the coupling between the incident light and the free electron gas at the surface of a nano-sized metal object. 10,11 Light is an electromagnetic (EM) wave, acting as an oscillation of free electron gases of metals. 12 These oscillations occur at specific frequencies for each kind of metal.…”

Size-controlled growth of nanoparticles in a highly ionized pulsed plasma

“…Examples include catalytic effects because of their high surface-to-volume ratio, 1,2 and interaction with light due to plasmonic activity. 3,4 For both examples, the response is a function of NP size and the geometry of the NP. Therefore, a technique for controlling these parameters to accurately synthesize NPs-in sufficient number and without agglomeration-is desired.…”